Song Meanings and Facts

Song Meanings and Facts

Author: Amanda London

"Nail in the Coffin" by Eminem

Eminem

“Nail in the Coffin” by Eminem

“Nail in the Coffin” is bona fide diss track. Eminem uses it to respond primarily to the track “Pull Your Skirt Up” by Benzino as a continuation to their long-running feud. Eminem replies Benzino’s claim that...

“Quitter” by Eminem

Eminem

“Quitter” by Eminem (ft. D12)

Eminem, on “Quitter”, addresses Everlast (Whitey Ford) who initially recorded a diss track targeted at him. He calls him a quitter because of Everlast’s switch from hip-hop to country music. Throughout the track, Eminem...

"Pimp Slapp’d" by Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg

“Pimp Slapp’d” by Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg uses “Pimp Slapp’d” to dismise Suge Knight while placing emphasis on the fact that his beef is not with the entire West Coast Community but with Suge alone. He begins the track...

"No Vaseline" by Ice Cube

Ice Cube

“No Vaseline” by Ice Cube

“No Vaseline”, written after Ice Cube left N.W.A. was specifically aimed at his former group (N.W.A.) and former manager Heller for his shady contracts. Ice Cube uses a lot of harsh words while exposing...

"Back Down" by 50 Cent

50 Cent

“Back Down” by 50 Cent

“Back Down” finds 50 Cent setting off an attack aimed at Ja Rule, who apparently wants to contend with him, hence their beef. 50 cent refers to himself as ‘The Kid’, and refers to...

"Takeover" by Jay-Z

Jay-Z

“Takeover” by Jay-Z

Jay-Z in “Takeover”, claims to be taking over the rap industry, together with his Rocafella family. The chorus sees him mention all the artists on his label and how they are running the whole rap industry....

"Ether" by Nas

Nas

“Ether” by Nas

“Ether” begins with Nas directly hitting at Jay-Z for starting a beef with him. The rapper expresses shock at how Jay-Z who was not as huge a rapper then could approach and diss him....

“Back to Back” by Drake

Drake

“Back to Back” by Drake

Drake’s “Back to Back” dares other rappers to challenge him, while belittling their career. He uses several references in the first verse to describe how he is ahead of the rap game. For instance,...